Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine is the traditional art of phytotherapy 'plant-therapy', it is rooted in the conventional medical sciences: pharmacology, pharmacognosy and toxicology alongside historical text, folklore and ethno-archeological discoveries. Until the early part of this century, herbalism was the primary healthcare system worldwide which has evolved through scientific explorative methods with human life on earth. The property, heritage and responsibility of all cultures and species of this planet herbal Medicine was once heralded as "the people's medicine" and is gaining recognition today as a safe and effective healthcare approach, when administered by a skilled and qualified practitioner.
Herbal Medicine offers a dynamic and well-functioning holistic assessment of the individual. Taking into account the specific dysfunction of bodily organs and body systems to uncover the root causes of 'dis-ease'. It has a valid and essential role to play in society to support the primary healthcare practitioner addressing the health and wellbeing of the community. Patients may be referred to seek a Herbal treatment by their GP or by another healthcare practitioners because herbs can work safely and effectively amidst other conventional medicine.
There is an increased acceptance and public interest in self-help measures combined with natural complementary therapies. Safety is a great priority, drug herb interactions are mitigated with specific contemporary analysis.
Herbal Medicine is supportive and non-addictive, offering a creative, practical, proactive approach to life.
How do herbs work?
Herbal Medicine encompasses a wide range of medicinal forms from algae, medicinal mushrooms, plant roots, tree fruits, flowers, leaves and pollen. Within each form are thousands of identified chemical constituents working synergistically for the welfare and optimum health and survival of the plant itself. In its fresh and dried form the herbalist can harness this power to improve natural bodily processes.
There are thousands of chemical compounds within plants, they most commonly fall into six categories: alkaloids, glycosides, essential oils, gums, resins and mucilage. Herbal Medicine research is continually shedding new light on our understanding of how herbs actually work. The 'active principle' of the plant produces a physiological effect. In plant medicine this principle is a highly complex arrangement of plant constituents producing the origins of many potent medicines that are used today in conventional medicine. Understanding the myriad of herbal actions and the 'synergy' between different plants, the herbalists prepares each separate and unique medicine, specifically for each patient. It is the powerful, potent and sometimes toxic chemicals that are used. Paracelsus (1493-1541) stated 'the dose alone makes the poison'.
Did you know that the origin of many prescription drugs originally came from herbs?
-
The sap of Papaver somniferum is known as opium and also contains codeine and further converts to morphine in the body.
-
From the 17th century to the late 1940's the cinchona bark was used to make Quinine to treat malaria. It can still be found in low concentrations (>therapeutic dose) in tonic water today.
-
Paclitaxel (Taxol) is used for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer it originally came from the bark of the pacific yew tree - Taxus brevifolia.
-
There are natural sources of salicylic acid, the key ingredient of Aspirin. Originally found in willow bark, meadowsweet as well as other beans, peas, clover & jasmine
​
What to expect.
Herbal medicine offers a holistic approach that touches all aspects of your life. Before your initial appointment you will be sent a Health Questionnaire and 3-Day Diet Diary to complete and return via email 48 hours before your initial treatment. This is confidential and is a useful tool offering you the opportunity to consider what are your main prioritise, to focus on during our treatment time together.
Over the first few consultations a treatment plan specific to your individual needs will be created. You will be also supported to develop your intuition and ability to make choices so you can make gradual positive lifestyle changes at your own pace.
Consultation takes place regularly on a fortnightly or monthly basis depending upon the individual.